Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Oz) and Mustafa Shakir (Luke Cage) are set as leads opposite Charles Babalola in Showtime’s King Shaka drama series. Additionally, Terry Pheto (Tsotsi) and Lerato Mvelase (Justice Served) will recur in the series executive produced by Antoine Fuqua.
Rooted in actual events, King Shaka tells the story of the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures. The outcast son of a Zulu Chief, Shaka is a visionary who is prophesized to become a king like none before him. In ferocious battles that test the body and soul, in alliances that test the bonds of love and friendship, a complex sociological system plays out that renders the human cost front and center, for the victors as well as the vanquished,...
Rooted in actual events, King Shaka tells the story of the Zulu Empire founder Shaka (Babalola) and his unlikely rise to power, uniting multiple tribes across vast stretches of Africa in the early 19th century to transform his power into legend, on par with history’s most seminal figures. The outcast son of a Zulu Chief, Shaka is a visionary who is prophesized to become a king like none before him. In ferocious battles that test the body and soul, in alliances that test the bonds of love and friendship, a complex sociological system plays out that renders the human cost front and center, for the victors as well as the vanquished,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In January, not long after the merger of Viacom and CBS closed, CBS chief creative officer and Showtime Networks chief exec David Nevins asked BET Networks president Scott Mills to share some of the pipeline projects that Mills was most excited about.
One of those series was Lena Waithe’s “Twenties,” which at that point hadn’t yet premiered on BET, the cabler that joined the combined company from the Viacom side. With Waithe’s “The Chi” already popular on Showtime, Nevins asked Mills for a programming window on Showtime for “Twenties.” In turn, Mills asked Nevins for a BET window for “The Chi.”
Showtime and BET’s shared popularity with African American viewers, said Mills, is the reason BET was incorporated into the Showtime premium networks group after the merger. And the “logical progression” of that common audience between Viacom and CBS’ respective cablers is SHOxBET, the Showtime plex channel that launched Wednesday,...
One of those series was Lena Waithe’s “Twenties,” which at that point hadn’t yet premiered on BET, the cabler that joined the combined company from the Viacom side. With Waithe’s “The Chi” already popular on Showtime, Nevins asked Mills for a programming window on Showtime for “Twenties.” In turn, Mills asked Nevins for a BET window for “The Chi.”
Showtime and BET’s shared popularity with African American viewers, said Mills, is the reason BET was incorporated into the Showtime premium networks group after the merger. And the “logical progression” of that common audience between Viacom and CBS’ respective cablers is SHOxBET, the Showtime plex channel that launched Wednesday,...
- 7/15/2020
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
The actor on racism, reality TV and falling off the stage
Born in Birmingham, David Harewood, 53, studied at Rada. In 1997, he became the first black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre. His television work includes Homeland, The Night Manager, Madiba and Supergirl. Most recently he made the BBC Two documentary Psychosis And Me. He reads The War Of The Worlds by Hg Wells for the new Penguin Classics audiobook series of 50 titles. He is married with two daughters.
What is your greatest fear?
Doing a reality TV programme like I’m A Celebrity.
Born in Birmingham, David Harewood, 53, studied at Rada. In 1997, he became the first black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre. His television work includes Homeland, The Night Manager, Madiba and Supergirl. Most recently he made the BBC Two documentary Psychosis And Me. He reads The War Of The Worlds by Hg Wells for the new Penguin Classics audiobook series of 50 titles. He is married with two daughters.
What is your greatest fear?
Doing a reality TV programme like I’m A Celebrity.
- 11/2/2019
- by Rosanna Greenstreet
- The Guardian - Film News
HBO Max is continuing its spate of executive hires.
The nascent WarnerMedia streamer has now tapped Roberto Alcantara, Chika Chukudebelu and Mark Tuohy to all be vice presidents in the drama department. The announcement was made by Joey Chavez, Evp of original drama at HBO Max, to whom they will all report.
Chavez and his team are tasked with the creating a slate of original dramas for the direct-to-consumer offering scheduled to launch in the spring of 2020.
“The premium drama bar is set high, and I have no doubt this talented team will deliver and be great creative partners to great creators,” said Kevin Reilly, chief content officer at HBO Max and president of TNT, TBS & truTV.
The new hires join David Poynter, vice president of drama, and Maura Feerick, director of drama, to round out Chavez’s team.
“We are proud to have a drama team that reflects a variety of voices,...
The nascent WarnerMedia streamer has now tapped Roberto Alcantara, Chika Chukudebelu and Mark Tuohy to all be vice presidents in the drama department. The announcement was made by Joey Chavez, Evp of original drama at HBO Max, to whom they will all report.
Chavez and his team are tasked with the creating a slate of original dramas for the direct-to-consumer offering scheduled to launch in the spring of 2020.
“The premium drama bar is set high, and I have no doubt this talented team will deliver and be great creative partners to great creators,” said Kevin Reilly, chief content officer at HBO Max and president of TNT, TBS & truTV.
The new hires join David Poynter, vice president of drama, and Maura Feerick, director of drama, to round out Chavez’s team.
“We are proud to have a drama team that reflects a variety of voices,...
- 10/16/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
An almost two-minute trailer for Season 2 of American Gods is out, showcasing the ongoing squabbles between the Old Gods and New Gods.
Based on the Nail Gaiman novel, the show will have its Season 2 bow on Sunday, March 10 at 8 Pm Et/Pt on Starz.
American Gods stars Ricky Whittle as Shadow Moon and Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday. The one-hour drama centers on a war brewing between Old Gods and New Gods, as the traditional gods of mythological roots from around the world steadily lose believers. Their challengers are an upstart pantheon of gods reflecting society’s modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs.
In Season 2, the battle moves toward a crisis point, as the destinies of gods and men collide. While Mr. World plots revenge for the attack against him in the first season, Shadow throws in his lot...
Based on the Nail Gaiman novel, the show will have its Season 2 bow on Sunday, March 10 at 8 Pm Et/Pt on Starz.
American Gods stars Ricky Whittle as Shadow Moon and Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday. The one-hour drama centers on a war brewing between Old Gods and New Gods, as the traditional gods of mythological roots from around the world steadily lose believers. Their challengers are an upstart pantheon of gods reflecting society’s modern love of money, technology, media, celebrity and drugs.
In Season 2, the battle moves toward a crisis point, as the destinies of gods and men collide. While Mr. World plots revenge for the attack against him in the first season, Shadow throws in his lot...
- 1/20/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Kaplan Stahler’s Cindy Mintz has been named head of TV Literary at the boutique agency. In her new role, Mintz will oversee a department of five agents.
Mintz joined Kaplan Stahler in 2013 after a brief stint at Abrams Artists Agency, where she was instrumental in launching their TV literary department. Prior to Abrams, she spent 15 years as a TV packaging agent at ICM Partners.
“We have been fortunate to have benefited from Cindy’s invaluable industry and client relationships, and exceptional leadership skills,” said Todd Mooney, COO. “It’s a pleasure to recognize her commitment to client representation and to the future of Kaplan Stahler with this well-earned title.”
Mintz guides a roster of successful writers, directors and producers working in television and film which include Terri Kopp, Jamie Pachino (Sneaky Pete), Mike Herro & David Strauss (All American), Ron McGee (NCIS: Nola), Sonay Hoffman...
Mintz joined Kaplan Stahler in 2013 after a brief stint at Abrams Artists Agency, where she was instrumental in launching their TV literary department. Prior to Abrams, she spent 15 years as a TV packaging agent at ICM Partners.
“We have been fortunate to have benefited from Cindy’s invaluable industry and client relationships, and exceptional leadership skills,” said Todd Mooney, COO. “It’s a pleasure to recognize her commitment to client representation and to the future of Kaplan Stahler with this well-earned title.”
Mintz guides a roster of successful writers, directors and producers working in television and film which include Terri Kopp, Jamie Pachino (Sneaky Pete), Mike Herro & David Strauss (All American), Ron McGee (NCIS: Nola), Sonay Hoffman...
- 9/14/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Own’s Queen Sugar scored eight total nominations for the 49th NAACP Image Awards, leading the TV drama pack.
On the comedy side, HBO’s Insecure also netted eight nods, while creator and star Issa Rae by herself amassed four (including two for writing and one as an Entertainer of the Year contender). Only Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z earned more individual noms, with five each.
Fox’s Empire and ABC’s black-ish each netted six nominations.
RelatedPerformer of the Week (July 29): Insecure‘s Issa Rae
The NAACP Image Awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television,...
On the comedy side, HBO’s Insecure also netted eight nods, while creator and star Issa Rae by herself amassed four (including two for writing and one as an Entertainer of the Year contender). Only Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z earned more individual noms, with five each.
Fox’s Empire and ABC’s black-ish each netted six nominations.
RelatedPerformer of the Week (July 29): Insecure‘s Issa Rae
The NAACP Image Awards, which celebrate the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television,...
- 11/20/2017
- TVLine.com
For those who aren’t completely familiar with the television calendar, we are now entering the culling. As the networks get ready for their Upfronts, it becomes time to bring the hammer down on the shows that won’t be returning, which means it is obviously also time to announce renewals.
In the midst of a ton of shows getting killed off over the last few days, Starz has renewed American Gods after the show has barely begun airing, which isn’t that unusual these days, but is surely a great relief to a lot of fans. In the release, Starz announced that the show has managed more than 5 million multiplatform viewers, and that number is growing. That’s an impressive number for a truly bonkers show on a cable network.
Carmi Zlotnik, president of programming for Starz, said, “Bryan Fuller, Michael Green and Neil Gaiman have evolved the art form of television narratively,...
In the midst of a ton of shows getting killed off over the last few days, Starz has renewed American Gods after the show has barely begun airing, which isn’t that unusual these days, but is surely a great relief to a lot of fans. In the release, Starz announced that the show has managed more than 5 million multiplatform viewers, and that number is growing. That’s an impressive number for a truly bonkers show on a cable network.
Carmi Zlotnik, president of programming for Starz, said, “Bryan Fuller, Michael Green and Neil Gaiman have evolved the art form of television narratively,...
- 5/12/2017
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
The conflict between Old Gods and New Gods will continue to be explored on screen, as Starz has officially renewed American Gods (based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name) for a second season.
Starz announced the season 2 news on Twitter. No other details are known at this time, but we'll be sure to keep Daily Dead readers updated on further developments. The eight-episode first season of American Gods will conclude on June 18th.
From the Press Release: "“American Gods” posits a different kind of war brewing—one between Old Gods and New. The traditional Old Gods, with mythological roots from around the world, fear irrelevance as their believers die off or are seduced by the money, technology, and celebrity offered by the New Gods. Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) is an ex-con who, left adrift by the recent death of his wife, becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to...
Starz announced the season 2 news on Twitter. No other details are known at this time, but we'll be sure to keep Daily Dead readers updated on further developments. The eight-episode first season of American Gods will conclude on June 18th.
From the Press Release: "“American Gods” posits a different kind of war brewing—one between Old Gods and New. The traditional Old Gods, with mythological roots from around the world, fear irrelevance as their believers die off or are seduced by the money, technology, and celebrity offered by the New Gods. Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) is an ex-con who, left adrift by the recent death of his wife, becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to...
- 5/11/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Starz have announced that the highly-anticipated eight-episode first season of American Gods, adapted from Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel, will make its network premiere on Sunday April 30th.
American Gods posits a different kind of war brewing – one between Old Gods and New. The traditional Old Gods, with mythological roots from around the world, fear irrelevance as their believers die off or are seduced by the money, technology, and celebrity offered by the New Gods. Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) is an ex-con who, left adrift by the recent death of his wife, becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to conman Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane). But in truth, Mr. Wednesday is a powerful old deity, on a cross-country mission to build an army and reclaim his lost glory.
Adapted from the award-winning novel, “American Gods” stars Ricky Whittle (“The 100,” “Austenland”) as Shadow Moon; Ian McShane (“Deadwood,” “Ray Donovan”) as...
American Gods posits a different kind of war brewing – one between Old Gods and New. The traditional Old Gods, with mythological roots from around the world, fear irrelevance as their believers die off or are seduced by the money, technology, and celebrity offered by the New Gods. Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) is an ex-con who, left adrift by the recent death of his wife, becomes bodyguard and traveling partner to conman Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane). But in truth, Mr. Wednesday is a powerful old deity, on a cross-country mission to build an army and reclaim his lost glory.
Adapted from the award-winning novel, “American Gods” stars Ricky Whittle (“The 100,” “Austenland”) as Shadow Moon; Ian McShane (“Deadwood,” “Ray Donovan”) as...
- 3/16/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Based on Neil Gaiman's novel of the same name, the Starz series American Gods will premiere on Sunday, April 30th (following its world premiere at SXSW) and is teased in new key art.
Press Release (via TheFutonCritic): Beverly Hills, Calif. - February 23, 2017 - Starz announced today that the highly-anticipated eight-episode first season of FremantleMedia North America produced Starz Original Series "American Gods," adapted from Neil Gaiman's acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel, will make its network premiere on Sunday, April 30th at 9Pm Et/Pt.
Starz also debuted the U.S. key art. Both announcements come ahead of the World Premiere and extended Q&A of the series at SXSW in March. The series will debut publicly at the festival on March 11 at 11 Am Ct at the Vimeo Theater in the Austin Convention Center followed by an extended Q&A moderated by Kcrw's Elvis Mitchell. Showrunners and cast in attendance will include Bryan Fuller,...
Press Release (via TheFutonCritic): Beverly Hills, Calif. - February 23, 2017 - Starz announced today that the highly-anticipated eight-episode first season of FremantleMedia North America produced Starz Original Series "American Gods," adapted from Neil Gaiman's acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel, will make its network premiere on Sunday, April 30th at 9Pm Et/Pt.
Starz also debuted the U.S. key art. Both announcements come ahead of the World Premiere and extended Q&A of the series at SXSW in March. The series will debut publicly at the festival on March 11 at 11 Am Ct at the Vimeo Theater in the Austin Convention Center followed by an extended Q&A moderated by Kcrw's Elvis Mitchell. Showrunners and cast in attendance will include Bryan Fuller,...
- 2/23/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
A raised fist, a raised voice, a raised consciousness. As the United States is reeling from a series of executive orders from the newly inaugurated president, Americans are wondering what they can do in protest but also to change policy.
“Madiba,” Bet’s biopic about Nelson Mandela could not have come at a better time. Premiering on February 1 in honor of Black History month, the three-part limited series examines the revolutionary who made it his life’s work to fight for the freedom and equality of all South Africans despite the efforts of those in power to maintain institutionalized segregation and discrimination.
Read More: Watch: Nelson Mandela’s Words Inspire Filmmakers to Create Global Digital Content
To encapsulate any person’s life within six hours is a challenge, but for one whose public works shaped so many lives, it’s nearly impossible to do it justice. “Madiba” makes a valiant effort,...
“Madiba,” Bet’s biopic about Nelson Mandela could not have come at a better time. Premiering on February 1 in honor of Black History month, the three-part limited series examines the revolutionary who made it his life’s work to fight for the freedom and equality of all South Africans despite the efforts of those in power to maintain institutionalized segregation and discrimination.
Read More: Watch: Nelson Mandela’s Words Inspire Filmmakers to Create Global Digital Content
To encapsulate any person’s life within six hours is a challenge, but for one whose public works shaped so many lives, it’s nearly impossible to do it justice. “Madiba” makes a valiant effort,...
- 2/1/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
Just more than three years after his death, Nelson Mandela may still be too dominant, too regal and too multi-faceted a figure of history for any one book, film or television miniseries to grasp. But Bet's Lawrence Fishburne-starring Madiba certainly makes a powerful and often successful effort out of the task. Debuting tomorrow and running February 8 and February 15, the Kevin Hooks-directed Madiba, shot in South Africa, has its flaws. But, as I say in my video review…...
- 1/31/2017
- Deadline TV
Laurence Fishburne will star in Madiba, a comprehensive story of the phenomenal life of South African president Nelson Mandela.
The post Laurence Fishburne is Nelson Mandela In Bet Special “Madiba” appeared first on Fortress of Solitude.
The post Laurence Fishburne is Nelson Mandela In Bet Special “Madiba” appeared first on Fortress of Solitude.
- 1/24/2017
- by Edward Nigma
- Fortress of Solitude - TV News
Bet’s six-hour miniseries Madiba that premieres next month tells the story of Nelson Mandela, played by Laurence Fishburne, and other leaders of the African National Congress who fought alongside him in the multi-racial, multi-national movement that led to the end of South African apartheid and made Mandela a global icon. On the decision to break up the series into three two-hour parts, executive producer Lance Samuels said today at TCA that the story of Mandela is so…...
- 1/14/2017
- Deadline TV
Bet has set February air dates for Madiba, its six-hour miniseries that chronicles the life of Nelson Mandela. The three-part saga, starring Laurence Fishburne (black-ish) as Mandela, will air February 1,8 and 15, 2017, as part of Bet’s Black History Month programming. The network also has released a first-look clip of the miniseries (click above to watch). Madiba is based on two Mandela books, Conversations With Myself and Nelson Mandela by Himself. Named after Madiba…...
- 12/7/2016
- Deadline TV
Following its premiere on the Syfy channel last month, Van Helsing has already been renewed for a 13-episode second season of bloodsucker slaying.
Press Release (via TheFutonCritic.com): Los Angeles, CA - October 14, 2016 - The new action-horror series, Van Helsing, has been renewed for a second season on Syfy. The hour-long drama premiered Friday, September 23 and will return for 13 all new episodes, with production expected to begin January 2017.
An original Syfy co-production, Van Helsing is produced by Nomadic Pictures, which also serves as the studio. Executive producers are Chad Oakes and Mike Frislev from Nomadic Pictures, showrunner/writer Neil Labute, Simon Barry ("Continuum"), Evan Tyler (Industry Works), Dave Brown and Zadoc Angell (Echo Lake Entertainment), as well as Daniel March (Dynamic Television). Dynamic Television is also handling the worldwide distribution for the series, excluding first run U.S. television and Canada.
"It's with great pleasure and extreme excitement that...
Press Release (via TheFutonCritic.com): Los Angeles, CA - October 14, 2016 - The new action-horror series, Van Helsing, has been renewed for a second season on Syfy. The hour-long drama premiered Friday, September 23 and will return for 13 all new episodes, with production expected to begin January 2017.
An original Syfy co-production, Van Helsing is produced by Nomadic Pictures, which also serves as the studio. Executive producers are Chad Oakes and Mike Frislev from Nomadic Pictures, showrunner/writer Neil Labute, Simon Barry ("Continuum"), Evan Tyler (Industry Works), Dave Brown and Zadoc Angell (Echo Lake Entertainment), as well as Daniel March (Dynamic Television). Dynamic Television is also handling the worldwide distribution for the series, excluding first run U.S. television and Canada.
"It's with great pleasure and extreme excitement that...
- 10/14/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Orlando Jones (Madiba, Sleepy Hollow) has been cast in American Gods, Starz's upcoming straight-to-series adaptation of Neil Gaiman's acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel, which is filming in Toronto. Jones will play Mr. Nancy, the old African trickster god more commonly known as Anansi, and one of Mr. Wednesday's (Ian McShane) oldest confidantes. Like Wednesday, Nancy is ready to bring this new America (and its new gods) to its knees, desperate to light a fire and watch…...
- 6/15/2016
- Deadline TV
Laurence Fishburne is set to play Nelson Mandela in the Bet Networks six-hour mini-series "Madiba".
Named after the Thembu clan to which Mandela belonged, the story follows a younger Nelson Mandela during the early-60s as he deals with the political unrest engulfing South Africa.
Kevin Hooks ("Prison Break") helms the project based on two Mandela books, "Conversations With Myself" and "Nelson Mandela by Himself". Mandela's grandson Kweku Mandela will produce.
Shooting begins early 2016 in South Africa.
Source: Deadline...
Named after the Thembu clan to which Mandela belonged, the story follows a younger Nelson Mandela during the early-60s as he deals with the political unrest engulfing South Africa.
Kevin Hooks ("Prison Break") helms the project based on two Mandela books, "Conversations With Myself" and "Nelson Mandela by Himself". Mandela's grandson Kweku Mandela will produce.
Shooting begins early 2016 in South Africa.
Source: Deadline...
- 10/2/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Laurence Fishburne is set to play the lead role of Nelson Mandela in Madiba, a miniseries for Bet Networks executive produced by the late South African hero’s grandson Kweku Mandela. The six-hour mini, directed by Kevin Hooks (Prison Break), is based on two Mandela books, Conversations With Myself and Nelson Mandela by Himself. Named after Madiba, the Thembu clan to which Nelson Mandela belonged, the project tells the story of a younger Nelson Mandela during the early-60s…...
- 10/2/2015
- Deadline TV
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